A realistic rebuilding plan for the Red Sox

<b>By Dave D'Onofrio/Boston.com Correspondent</b><br>
A major reason for the Red Sox’ failure this past season was the underperformance of some core players. As the team attempts to return to respectability, it is hoping part of the process is as simple as a return to form. However, a 69-93 record obviously means there are changes to be made, so here is a look at where the club stands at each position, including the lead internal option and the most sensible targets among a generally weak crop of free agents.
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<b>First base—Internal: Mauro Gomez/Jerry Sands; Free agent: Adam LaRoche</b>
Two months ago the Sox believed they were set at first base for the next six years. With Adrian Gonzalez now in Los Angeles, Boston is left to find his replacement from an unimpressive selection of alternatives. The pool gets even shallower if the Nationals exercise their option on LaRoche (right), so without a trade the Sox are realistically looking at a one-year deal for a veteran – think along the lines of Carlos Pena and James Loney – or finding a cheaper lefty bat to platoon with Gomez (left) or Sands (center).
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<b>Second base—Internal: Dustin Pedroia; FA: Jeff Keppinger</b>
Despite a persistent thumb injury and a poor start, Pedroia (left) still finished the season right about where expected – hitting .290 with 15 homers, 39 doubles, and 20 steals – and his .911 OPS after July 31 suggests he never stopped competing even as the walls crumbled around him. It shouldn’t have taken his integrity-driven insistence on playing through pain the last two days of the regular season to remind everyone, but that choice speaks to the fact he’s far more solution than problem.
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<b>Shortstop—Internal: Jose Iglesias; FA: Stephen Drew</b>
Iglesias’ (left) defense is expectedly excellent, but he hit .118 in the majors, which was 29 points lower than any other American Leaguer with at least 75 plate appearances. If the Sox aren’t convinced of his bat, or that top prospect Xander Bogaerts has a shortstop’s glove, a trade makes sense – and a target could be Troy Tulowitzki. He’s missed 40 or more games in three of the last five seasons and is owed $144 million through 2021, so now might be the time to ask Colorado if it would like to get out from under that commitment.
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<b>Third base—Internal: Will Middlebrooks; FA: Placido Polanco</b>
After hitting 24 homers with 81 RBIs in 99 games between Pawtucket and Boston, and showing himself more than capable of manning the hot corner at the major league level, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which Middlebrooks (left) isn’t the Sox’ third baseman next season – assuming his broken wrist recovers fully. The Sox may look to add a veteran backup on the infield, a la Nick Punto last year, but Danny Valencia, Ivan de Jesus, and Pedro Ciriaco are under team control and could be the reserves.
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<b>Catcher—Internal: Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Ryan Lavarnway; FA: Mike Napoli</b>
With Saltalamacchia (top right) hitting 24 of his 25 homers from the left side, and Lavarnway (top left) a righthanded batter, a platoon would seem to make sense. Except Saltalamacchia struck out 139 times with a .288 on-base percentage, Lavarnway hit .157 with a 23 OPS+, and both were well below the league average in throwing out base stealers. There’s room for improvement, so pursuing Napoli – who posted an .812 OPS in an injury-riddled 2012 and can also play first base – makes sense if the price is right.
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<b>Left field—Internal: Ryan Sweeney; FA: Cody Ross</b>
Ross (left) indicated during the season that he’d be interested in returning to Boston, and that interest makes sense for the Sox, too. He handled the pressure well and produced, but with 22 homers, 81 RBIs, and an .807 OPS he probably didn’t price himself out of the Red Sox’ range. Whether Ross stays or leaves, the Sox may be wise to avoid long-term commitments here, as two of their three top positional prospects are outfielders – and Ben Cherington has indicated a desire to build from within.
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<b>Center field—Internal: Jacoby Ellsbury; FA: Michael Bourn</b>
Injuries have now cost Ellsbury (right) at least half a season in two of the past three years, yet the MVP-caliber campaign in between will likely have him seeking a big payday at the end of 2013, so the Sox decision is this: trade him now or hope he thrives in a contract year. If the former is chosen, Bourn, Shane Victorino, or Josh Hamilton could be in play; and if it’s the latter, replacement-in-waiting Jackie Bradley Jr. could be ready by 2014.
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<b>Right field—Internal: Ryan Kalish; FA: Torii Hunter</b>
By now, Kalish (left) was supposed to be an everyday outfielder, but after basically losing two seasons to injury he must establish his credentials again – and nothing since 2010 says it shouldn’t be done at Pawtucket. Hunter would be a huge acquisition, more because of the leadership he’d bring than because he hit .313 and knocked in 92 runs at age 36 (though that’d be a bonus), and because respected voices like his are what the Sox need in order to enact a culture change.
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Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

<b>Designated hitter—Internal: Mix and match; FA: David Ortiz</b>
The heel injury that cost him the second half is a concern, and the usage of a 37-year-old Ortiz (pictured) might need to be managed more than the younger version was. But he posted a 1.026 OPS with 23 homers and 26 doubles in the 90 games he played, the Sox offense suffered without him, and a personality like his isn’t something this franchise can afford to let leave right now. He’s earned a two-year deal, and he should get it.
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AP

<b>Starting rotation --</b> Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are virtual locks, while John Lackey is nearly as certain a part of the rotation if he’s healthy. That leaves two spots, and while the Sox could be comfortable with Felix Doubront, Franklin Morales, or Rubby De La Rosa in the last spot, they should target a proven option for the No. 3 or 4 role – and there are intriguing free agent options. Dan Haren (pictured), Gavin Floyd, Hiroki Kuroda, Edwin Jackson, and Shaun Marcum are just a handful of the guys who could help without requiring major money or years.
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Andy Lyons/Getty Images

<b>Bullpen --</b>
Rebuilding the bullpen begins with identifying what’s already in place. Andrew Bailey deserves to enter as the closer, while Junichi Tazawa’s emergence could give them a valuable arm for the middle innings. Additionally, Andrew Miller and/or Craig Breslow gives them a lefty. What the Sox need is a power arm for the eighth inning, which may be Daniel Bard or come from outside the organization. An ex-closer like Jonathan Broxton (pictured) or Brandon League, or an AL East-proven setup man like Jason Frasor and Joel Peralta could fit effectively.
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